Industrial Factory Automation

Multivac will use Leuze Electronic's Series 55 hygienic optical sensors in its range of thermoforming machines, partly because of their ability to withstand intensive cleaning regimes. The Series 55 sensors have a V4A stainless-steel housing (316L) and a Wash-Down design, which makes them suited for areas that undergo intensive cleaning and disinfection. They fulfil the requirements of Ecolab, IP67, IP69K and Leuze Electronic's own standard, Cleanproof+. Sensors of safety-class IP 69K only satisfy requirements for splashed-water applications without chemical additives such as acids or bases. A Henkel-Ecolab-Test FandE No 40-1 also includes the submersion of the sensors in cleaning agents for several weeks. Leuze Electronic's Cleanproof+ extends the tests with additional substances and performs the tests under more demanding conditions, for example at elevated temperatures. These Wash-Down sensors can be mounted in the same way as traditional devices with attachment ho...

Mazet has announced a four-channel MDDC sensor-signal amplifier for sensors with current input. The on-chip solution is capable of digitising low levels of current input at high speeds with high bandwidths and dynamics. The MDDS is suitable for handling rapidly changing process parameters that sensors provide in applications such as inline measurement of colour and pressure for real-time control of automated processes. Each channel of the transimpedance amplifier is independently digitally programmable at 16 stages via 5 bits of its SPI interface. Gradation of transimpedance per channel is implemented binarily with additional intermediate levels in the 1.6 to 100Mohm band. At maximum transimpedance, fast current measurement is possible in the nA range with a dynamic range of 30dB. The transimpedance amplifier stages are characterised by low noise. They respond in a highly linear manner with channel synchronism. External programming of the amplifier stages allows for independent, dynam...

Datateam Business Media will hold Sensing Technology 2010, a new sensors exhibition, at the Birmingham NEC from 28-29 September. The event will include new sensor technologies and informative seminars, which will be presented in conjunction with the Electronics, Sensors and Photonics KTN in the two knowledge-transfer suites. A networking lounge at the show will be available for use by exhibitors and visitors. This event will also reveal details of exciting new products currently under development.

A range of current sensors that allows the Yokogawa range of precision power meters to be used for measuring very high currents has been made available. Developed and manufactured by Hitec Power Protection, the Zero-Flux current sensors allow the precise measurement of currents up to several thousands of amperes - including simultaneous measurement of AC and DC currents - while providing accurate phase-shift information. Other key features of these sensors include isolation from the primary circuits, very high stability and accuracy, high bandwidth, saturation detection with automatic reset after overcurrent and the ability to switch on the devices with current already present when connected. There are three types of current sensor in the Zero-Flux range: the MACC Plus external current sensor; the SC1000 split-core sensor; and the CURACC current-measuring system. The MACC Plus external current sensor offers a 1000:1 current transfer ratio for maximum 850A peak current (600A RMS). For ...

The Ventostat 8000 series from GE Sensing and Inspection Technologies monitors temperature, carbon dioxide (CO2) and humidity via one cost-effective transmitter unit. This allows building managers to easily control indoor air quality within a building management system. Through monitoring, energy loss from over ventilation can be reduced and may provide building owners with savings of up to 20 per cent of the ventilation costs. Replacing the existing Telaire Ventostat, this new transmitter for HVAC demand control ventilation brings three technologies together into one sleek modern design. The Ventostat was recently honoured with Chicago Athenaeum's Good Design Award, recognising designers and manufacturers for advancing new and innovative product concepts and designs. The ABC Logic self-calibration logarithms provide a lifetime calibration guarantee, which eliminates long-term cost. GE Sensing and Inspection Technologies designs a wide range of sensors that help monitor indoor air...

Ophir-Spiricon has launched the PD300-R line of circular photodiode sensors. Identical in performance to the company's PD300 laser detectors, the PD300-R sensors feature a round geometry to facilitate mounting and centring on collinear optical bench systems. SM-1 mounting threads on all components ensure a fit with most optics. The sensors are designed to detect a range of light levels, from 500pW to 3W. Each device has a built-in filter that reduces the light level on the detector and allows measurements of up to 30mW without saturation. A second, removable filter allows measurement up to 3W. Four models are available: the PD300-R measures from 500pW to 30mW filter-out, 200uW to 300mW filter-in and wavelengths from 200nm to 1,800nm; the PD300-R-3W measures from 5nW to 100mW filter-out, 200uW to 3W filter-in and wavelengths from 200nm to 1,800nm; the PD300-R-UV measures from 20pW to 3mW filter-out, 2uW to 300mW filter-in and wavelengths from 200nm to 1,100nm; and the PD300-R-IR me...

Advantech has again selected Zytronic's projected capacitive technology (PCT)-based touch sensors and is offering the option of a Zypos touch sensor in its latest rugged 17in (43cm) panel PC. The PPC-175T has a 17in colour TFT LCD with a 1,280 x 1,024 resolution and features a high-performance Intel microprocessor chip (Pentium or Celeron M), 2Gb of DDR RAM memory and a host of high-speed interconnects. Designed for use in harsh industrial environments, the PPC-175T has an operating temperature that extends from 0C right through to +50C in humidity levels of up to 85 per cent and is capable of withstanding up to 10G of shock. It is also encased within an IP67-rated enclosure to fully protect it against water ingress. The 17.1in Zypos touch screen, which forms an integral part of the panel PC, is based on Zytronic's proprietary PCT. The sensing element consists of an interlocking matrix of micro-fine capacitors, each one only 10um in diameter (a quarter of the thickness of a hu...

The new Philtec FTS fibre-optic displacement sensors, which are distributed by Ixthus Instrumentation, are designed for flight-test applications. Weighing 175g, the sensor electronics feature a 25 x 50 x 75mm enclosure with a MIL-DTL-83513 Micro-D connector for power and output signals. Philtec provides customised non-contact fibre-optic sensors that are suitable for the extreme environments of many aerospace applications. A small probe size, a wide sensor bandwidth and extreme temperature ranges are key advantages. These devices measure linear distance and displacement up to 50mm. Typical applications include valve and actuator measurements, turbine-shaft and blade-tip dynamics and satellite component testing in cryogenic chambers.

ZF Electronics has launched four ranges of Cherry magnetic position sensors: the MP1014 series, the MP1001 series, the MP1005-MP1007 series and the MP1013 series. With a variety of different housings, features and electrical specifications, these Cherry position sensors are designed to suit a range of applications, including door position sensing, flow sensing and pedal switches, and to provide reliable operation and a long product life across diverse operating environments. The MP1014 digital Hall-effect position sensors have low-profile flange-mount housings and include two unipolar switch models (MP101401 and MP101402) and one bipolar latch model (MP101403). Capable of millions of operations, the sensors meet IEC529 IPX5 standards for water protection and have reverse battery protection to -24VDC, as well as being RoHS compliant. The MP101401 series features south-pole-activated unipolar switching and has a maximum operate point of 185 Gauss (south) and a minimum release point of 6...

Leeds-based Ginetta Cars has chosen Variohm EPT3100 pressure transducers to monitor oil, fuel and water pressure across all of its G50 series of race cars. The 300bhp G50 'Cup' race car is exclusively used for the single-make Michelin G50 Championship, which starts again in April 2010. A newly introduced G50Z version features a 400bhp Ford Zytek engine and is aimed at top-level GT sprint and 24-hour racing. The latest derivative, the G50HC (hot climate), is built for the Middle East race-car market and is designed for track temperatures up to +60C. Throughout the G50 series, the engine control unit and data logging systems are used to ensure optimum performance and Variohm's EPT3100 series pressure transducers are built for challenging applications where high performance and reliability need to be balanced with lightweight design, compact dimensions and a competitive cost. The EPT3100's thin-film measuring cell and high-level-output circuit technology provide a pressur...

Datasensor has introduced US30 Ultrasonic Sensors with M30 housing to expand its measurement and detection product portfolio. All the models present radial acoustic emission and the versions can have the following features: configurable PNP/NPN NO/NC bipolar digital output; 0-10V analogue output; and 4-20mA analogue output. Models also feature a detection field of 100mm-1m or 200mm-2m. The response time is fixed in the models with digital output (45ms for 1m models and 92ms for the 2m models) and is selectable in the models with analogue output (45ms or 105ms for 1m models and 92ms or 222ms for 2m models). Electrical connection can be carried out using standard M12 five-pole connector. The sensors can be configured using the Teach-In procedure, using the two push-buttons on the rear side of the sensor, or using the remote input present on the connector. Two signalling LEDS show the operating stat...

Autonnic has announced the launch of a range of waterproof, non-contact interaction devices, designated the A3300 lever control module. A requirement of the marine sector is that conducting, corrosive seawater must not encounter electronic circuits - however, switches, controls and buttons must be placed where a wet mariner can reach and touch them. Autonnic said it has applied the latest version of its three-axis fluxgate technology to its solution to this interface problem. The company's solution is magnetic and therefore non-contact, which solves the problem of how to keep the sea out of the electronics behind knobs, levers and buttons. The first of the series to launch is the A3300 set of OEM modules to provide the basis of non-contact engine lever controls for either one or two engines. Originally based on cables, lever controls are the electrical means to communicate between the bridge and engine room. Fundamental to the operation is a method to convert a hand movement in...

Schott Solar Thin Film, a manufacturer of thin-film solar-power modules, is using non-contact measurement systems from Micro-Epsilon to inspect the quality of solar glass panels. The measurement system has helped to reduce the cost of processing defective parts. Thin-film technology is the manufacturing technology used to produce thin solar cells, which are deposited directly onto a low-cost carrier material, typically glass, metal foil or plastic film. The advantages of using thin-film technology are the material and energy savings made during the production process, good conductivity and the ability to produce large-area solar cells. Schott Solar Thin Film delivers glass panes with a conductive layer (electrode). To optimise the production yield of the thin-film solar cells, all incoming glass panes are measured and inspected on delivery. Here, one of the most important criteria is the evenness or flatness of the glass panes. This must be accurate to just a few millimetres across...

Kistler 's piezoelectric torque sensors have a wide measuring range and are adaptable to match most configurations, making them suited to manufacturing-process monitoring. The sensors are available with measuring ranges of 1, 10, 25, 200 and 1,000Nm and all are suitable for torques from approximately 0.001Nm. The torque sensors are supplied calibrated for 100 and 10 per cent of the measuring range with additional calibration ranges available as an option. Installation is flexible as each sensor has an end flange with four or six threaded mounting holes and a centring seat for precise coaxial installation. A central hole allows a shaft to pass through the sensor. The high sensitivity, rigid construction and compact dimensions of the sensors make them particularly suited to monitoring applications in assembly processes and product testing where rotary movements are involved: typically screw, bolt or nut tightening to specific torque; rotary potentiometer and switch testing; and screw...

Sensor Systems has added a range of Hall-effect rotary position sensors to its ST350 series. The company said the sensors simplify customer use by providing the CANbus outputs needed for new-generation control systems. An operating range up to 360deg gives customers greater control and system accuracy by allowing them to select a range more closely suited to their application. Supply voltage up to 30VDC and the CANbus DS301/DS406 profiles up to 1Mbits/s improve compatibility with a variety of control systems. Linearity of +/- 0.50deg with a resolution of about +/- 0.09deg provides customers with increased measurement precision. Thermal drift lower than 100ppm/C allows applications under adverse ambient conditions. Different connector choices (for example, AMP Superseal or Deutsch) satisfy customer connection requirements. The ST350 series sensors use solid-state Hall-effect technology, providing non-contact operation, enhancing service life and reducing wear-out mechanisms. This serie...

Leuze Electronic has extended its range of explosion-proof optical sensors with several new versions, and added a range of new protection housings. The housings can be fitted to Leuze Electronic's standard sensors to enable their installation in potentially explosive atmospheres. The PH 3B55 Ex-n protective housings are designed for use with almost 200 Leuze sensors. This provides optical detection, contrast scanning, and distance measurement from its 3B, 25B and 55 series ranges. Sensors correctly mounted in the protective housing can be used in areas with a potentially explosive atmosphere consisting of a gas/air or dust/air mixture, which is expected to occur seldom and only briefly. These are Zone 2 (gas) and Zone 22 (dust) of Group II, category 3 according to the CENELEC classification. In Zone 22, the devices can be used with conductive and non-conductive dust. The sensors also comply with the new international standards IEC EN 60079-15 and IEC EN 61241-1.

Sensor Technology 's digital RWT310/320 torque sensors with integrated electronics and RWT330/340 torque sensors with separate electronics include the latest Torqsense (SAW) technology. The introduction of the new RWT310/RWT320 offers a compact transducer together with the electronics integrated within the body. This has been achieved by developing swept electronic technology, which provides the advantages of a higher bandwidth. The RWT310 is offered in a variety of sizes for those that wish to measure torque from 100mNm to 10,000Nm, and possibly beyond with the option of 4-20MA or 0-20MA current outputs. The RWT320 offers as standard: analogue output; RS232 output; high-speed USB output; built-in peak torque sampling, storage and averaging; self-diagnostics test package; and the option of a user-selectable current-output to enable 4-20mA or 0-20mA output. The new RWT310/RWT320 series has been designed for low cost and OEM use, but is also suitable for use as an advanced transducer...

Pepperl And Fuchs has designed a range of sensors for use in industrial and commercial vehicles. The e1 certification defined for mobile equipment specifies an interference immunity of 30V/m, but the sensors from Pepperl and Fuchs are designed to far exceed this at 100V/m. Additional protection is provided against shock and vibration, and cable strain is increased to prevent damage by any over-enthusiastic installation engineers. These sensors also have an extended operating temperature range and a high IP rating (IP69K), and are resistant to common chemical and corrosive substances such as salt spray (EN60068-2-52).

Analytical Technology has introduced the Q22 Specialty pH/ORP sensors, which allow for simple sensor replacement without the need for an entire system installation. In addition, the new sensors have been designed for use with all pH/ORP analysers and generic panel meters. Conventional pH/ORP sensors are based on an open reference system, which allows the reference elements and electrolytes to be in contact with the process. Chemicals diffuse into the reference chamber and contaminate the system, causing the reference potential to shift and the sensors to fail. As a result, more cleaning and calibration cycles are required, costing more time and money. Analytical Technology's Q22 Specialty pH/ORP sensors, whether universal or loop-powered, incorporate a glass reference-system, protecting the sensors from chemical poisons that destroy conventional pH/ORP sensors. The electrodes of Analytical Technology's Q22 Specialty pH/ORP sensors are customised and user-specified to ensure op...

National Instruments has released an instrument driver that allows users of NI Labview to interface with environmental monitoring sensors that communicate via SDI-12. SDI-12 is a serial-based communication protocol optimised for battery-powered intelligent sensors NI Labview is a graphical system design platform. With NI Labview SDI-12 Application Programming Interface (API) software, researchers, engineers and scientists can easily acquire measurements such as turbidity, dissolved oxygen, tank level, soil pH, conductivity and other critical environmental sensor measurements. The SDI-12 protocol makes it possible to communicate with a wide variety of sensors and recorders that are most commonly used in environmental data acquisition applications such as climate change tracking, water quality and testing, ecological research, soil monitoring, agriculture and weather analysis. Using the Labview SDI-12 API, researchers, engineers and scientists can connect traditional environmental da...